Termite Damage Warning Signs

Visible clues to document

Photograph both a close view and a wider view that shows location and scale. Note whether the condition appears active, repeated, recently repaired, or associated with weather or system use.

• Mud-like tubes, damaged or hollow-sounding wood, blistered surfaces, discarded wings, or insect activity.
• Soil-to-wood contact, chronic moisture, crawl-space conditions, or damaged exterior wood.
• Prior treatment marks, repairs, inaccessible framing, or seller pest records.

What the clues may—and may not—mean

Similar-looking conditions can have very different causes. Surface appearance alone cannot confirm severity, concealed damage, material composition, structural movement, leakage source, or health risk.

Reasonable next steps

• Do not disturb evidence before the inspection.
• Address active moisture and unsafe structural conditions.
• Request a written pest inspection and separate repair scope where damage is found.

Who to contact

For a property-specific assessment, contact a locally licensed pest or wood-destroying-organism professional; use a structural professional for significant framing damage. Ask for findings in writing and request a defined scope before authorizing invasive testing or repair work.